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Tucked away in the rough terrains of Ladakh, these monasteries aren’t just pit-stops but soul-stops. From the golden charm of Diskit to the stunning architecture of Thiksey, you will be left spellbound with their beauty.
With our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages, you can discover monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip, get to know about the location, timings as well as get a glimpse about the entry fees.
Here’s a list of top monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip:
One of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh, the Hemis Monastery dates back to the 17th century and is home to a wide range of ancient Buddhist relics. This monastery has a statue of Buddha made from gold and silver. When here, do attend the annual Hemis Festival and visit the Hemis National Park. It is truly one of the best monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip
One of the most beautiful spiritual attractions on a Ladakh biking route is the Thiksey Monastery, which dates back to the 15th century and is a twelve-storied structure, resembling the Potala Palace in Tibet. There are many holy shrines in the monastery, and Goddess Dorje Chenmo is the most popular one. Thiksey is also known for the 40 foot tall statue of Maitreya Buddha and other ancient relics.
One of the best monasteries to visit during Leh Ladakh bike tour, Diskit is the largest and the oldest, located in Nubra Valley, a pot popular among tourists. Established in the 14th century, the iconic spot highlights the Tibetan architectural styles and the rich collection of Buddha idols. Do trek at this structure and admire its beauty.
At the time of monastery tour during Leh Ladakh bike trip, do visit Lamayuru, the oldest and largest, situated on a steep mountain top, famous for its rich collection of murals, thangkas, and Buddha sculptures. It is believed that this monastery was established here after a lake got dried up.
In your Leh Ladakh motorbike itinerary with monasteries, do include Alchi Monastery which is the oldest Buddhist learning center. It is also one of the largest and oldest monasteries, which lies on the Indus. Established in the 12th century, the monastery is decorated with bright colours and has also been featured in Bollywood films like Dil Se and Tashan.
Another iconic spot that must be on your list during Leh Ladakh monastery bike trip is the Phugtal Monastery which is situated at the mouth of a cave and is close to a major tributary of the river Lungnak. Founded in the 12th century, this monastery is only accessible by foot, therefore you can reach from Padum to Ichar and then trek up to the monastery.
Overlooking the gorgeous Indus River, this monastery was built in the 11th century and is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of goddess Kali. The monastery is known for its unique Buddha, great collection of ancient masks, fine thangkas, and antique arms as well as the 5 thangkas sharing space with mini chortens and sculptures.
Also called Klu-Kkhyii gompa, the Likir Monastery was established by Duwang Chosje in 1065. The monastery has Buddhist teachings and the three basic Pratimoksha disciplines that are still preached on this site. It is a must-visit destination as it will definitely amaze you with its beauty and serenity.
Also known as Thak Thak and Thag Thag by the locals, this monastery was built around a cave on a mountainside which is a famous pilgrimage site for all the Tibetan Buddhists around the world. It is believed that the great legend, Padmasambhava did his meditation in this cave in the early 8th century. Further, this monastery has a temple with statues of Maitreya, Padmasambhava, and Dorje Takposal.
Built in the 16th century, the monastery is located in the premises of the Shey Palace, and is believed to be the summer retreat of the royal family of Ladakh. The monastery has the largest Buddha statue made of glided copper called Shakyamuni Buddha. This spot is located close to Druk Padma Karpo Institute renamed (Rancho School) after its feature in Hindi movie 3 Idiots.
Phyang Gompa is known for ancient wall paintings, collection of old thangkas and murals of Mahakala, the monastery also has a museum that has a 900-year-old collection of idols, scriptures, Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian firearms and weapons. Home to around 100 monks, the monastery has a school to impart training in Buddhism along with modern education.
Located in the late 16th century, Stakna means Tiger’s nose which is the exact shape of the hill on which this monastery is located, this monastery portrays the cultural and religious heritage of India and Bhutan. The best part of this gompa is that it offers stunning views of Indus River Valley from its rooftop.
Known as the “paradise of meditation”, this monastery is home to 40 monks. According to popular belief, Guru Padmasambhava along with other lamas used to meditate in the caves of this monastery. From this monastery you can get stunning views of the picturesque Indus Valley.
Established in the 14th century, it is the only Ladakh monastery that follows the Sakya sect of Buddhism. Home to more than 60 lamas, the monastery was constructed 500 years ago, and has a marvellous collection of ancient Thangas, walls adorned with sacred paintings, statues of Maitreya and Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara (a thousand armed statue) and the blessing Buddha.
Situated on top of a mountain, this monastery looks like a citadel which offers breathtaking views of priests, glaciers, mountains, rolling hills. Rangdum was built 200 years ago in Kargil Suru Valley and is currently home to 40 monks, Tibetan antiques, and precious artefacts. The spot has a peaceful aura for meditation and attracts thousands of visitors.
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Shrutika Parab
★★★★★24 May 2024
“Thank you Team Wanderon for the amazing Ladakh Experience. Right from the point of making the bookings with Mr. Chakshu to the point of completion of the trip received amicable support.
Sonal Shekhar Dash
★★★★★9 May 2024
“I did my first solo trip in India with WanderOn. Initially I was sceptical about their Meghalaya-Kaziranga trip as I didn't have any prior experience with them but the team assured me that it's going to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Archana Awati
★★★★★30 Apr 2024
“In Ladakh, find the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and serenity. December last year I decided that my next trip would be Ladakh but didn’t know how to go about it. I knew I wanted to travel in a group, as I had prior experiences of traveling in a group but wanted an organiser I could trust. Ladakh isn’t like other destinations wherein you need some instructions due to the high altitudes.
Kartik Dilawari
★★★★★4 Jul 2024
“After an amazing trip to Tirthan with WanderOn, I decided to go to Manali-Jispa with them and yet again, the experience was worth every penny. The place was very beautiful and the quality of service was top-notch, the itinerary was very good and the quality of transportation and stays were very good. Had an awesome time there and made some good friends as well. Lastly, our trip captains Priyasha and Rachit managed the entire trip very well and were so fun and made our trip an experience worth remembering.
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